Apparatus and method for analyte detection

Abstract

Disclosed is a testing device and methods for the identification of an analyte of interest in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, the testing device includes a front panel having at least one sample application aperture; a rear panel having at least one solvent application aperture; a sample collection matrix disposed between the rear panel and the front panel, the sample collection matrix being in communication with the sample and solvent application apertures of the front and rear panels; and at least one insertable test strip containing a reagent enabling detection of the analyte of interest.

1. A method for identification of an analyte from a plurality of samples, comprising:
 a. providing a testing device comprising a housing, wherein said housing comprises a) a sample application matrix, wherein said sample application matrix comprises a plurality of desiccated samples applied at discrete locations on said sample application matrix, and b) an aperture in said housing to receive a insertable testing element and hold said testing element in direct liquid-conductive communication with said sample application matrix; wherein said sample application matrix and said aperture are configured such that said plurality of samples are combined and flow onto said testing element upon rehydration of said samples; 
 b. inserting an insertable testing element into said aperture in said housing; 
 c. rehydrating said desiccated samples by applying sufficient solvent, wherein analytes from said samples are aggregated and flow onto said testing element; 
 d. identifying said analyte in the aggregated sample using said testing element. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said plurality of samples are liquid. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said sample is selected from the group consisting of blood, urine, saliva, and fecal material. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein said fecal material is obtained by sampling toilet bowl water. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said testing element is an immunochromatographic test strip. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said analyte of interest is an antigen or hapten, and wherein said antigen or hapten is a diagnostic indicator of a disease state in an organism. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 5 , wherein said immunochromatographic test strip comprises a contact zone which, following insertion, contacts said sample application matrix and conducts a solvent front from said sample application matrix through a detection zone which contains a specific binding reagent, said detection zone being spatially distinct from said contact zone. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said disease state is selected from cancer and pathogenic infection. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said disease state is characterized by occult gastrointestinal bleeding. 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said antigen or hapten is a contaminant in food or water. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 6 , wherein said antigen or hapten is a drug.